Central Highlands Regional Council has resolved to extend the discount period for the current half-yearly rates notices by 30 days.
‘In light of the global economic and health crisis we are facing, council last night decided to give all of our ratepayers extra time to take advantage of the discount period,’ Mayor Kerry Hayes said.
The amendment will see the 10 per cent discount period extended by 30 days. The due date will be dependent on when your notice was issued.
- If your notice was issued on 4 March 2020 with an original due date of 7 April, it will now be due on 7 May.
- If your notice was issued on 30 March 2020, it will be due on 29 May.
- A small number of notices are yet to be issued.
‘The total 10 per cent discount period will consequently extend to 60 days,’ he said.
‘For the next half-yearly water notice to be issued in April, ratepayers will also have 60 days in total to pay and get the discount.’
Mayor Hayes reminded residents that if you enter into a payment plan with council, interest will not be charged on your outstanding balance if you adhere to the agreed arrangement. However, as per legislation the discount does not apply to payment plans.
‘I also strongly urge our residents and businesses to take advantage of any state and federal financial assistance they can,’ he said.
‘Council will continue to consider other measures as these stimulus packages are rolled out in our communities. The sensible approach is to evaluate how this changes our economy and then make informed decisions.
‘Council will monitor this dynamic situation and will advocate for further financial assistance for our communities.’
If you are unsure of your due date or would like more information on payment options please call us on 1300 242 686.
For information on state and federal stimulus packages head to: